India
A Short History
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Throughout its long history, India has signified many things. To pilgrims from ancient China, India was the birthplace of the Buddha; to Alexander the Great it was a land of philosophers and indomitable, elephantine armies. At the height of the Mughal Empire in 1700, India meant wealth, boasting nearly 25 percent of the world economy, but then, under British rule, its economy declined. In the nineteenth century, India's identity continued to evolve, defined by stark contrasts of extravagant wealth and crippling poverty, symbolized by the Taj Mahal and devastating famines, maharajas, and untouchables. At the same time, the country was celebrated for its rich spirituality, from the many gods of Hinduism and Sufi saints to Buddhist philosophy, with towering figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore shaping its legacy. Andrew Robinson incisively distills India's many incarnations, from the remarkably advanced cities of the early Indus Valley to the world's largest democracy. Anyone curious about its past, present, or future will find this a fascinating introduction.
About this Author
Andrew Robinson has published nine books about India. His definitive study of Rabindranath Tagore was described by The New Yorker as a "superb biography." He lives in London.
Reviews
Materials from the author's own prolific earlier work on the yet undeciphered Indus valley writing system, on Rabindranath Tagore, and on the life and films of Satyajit Ray add depth to this overview.--Choice
Andrew Robinson tackles this country of incredible depth with a primer that stylishly takes readers from the roots of Indian civilization up through today. . . . India provides travelers with an essential introduction to the land and its people.--Virtuoso Life
In this engrossing read, Robinson examines the broad sweep of Indian-subcontinent history, distilling four millennia into 200 pages. An excellent introduction to the subcontinent's history.--Library Journal
Pithy, admirable. . . . Robinson is at his best when dealing with India's earlier history. Compressing 4,000 years into 200 pages proves a tall order and leads him to reserve nearly half the book for the BC(E) millennia. But he here picks his way with assurance and insight.--John Keay, The Times Literary Supplement
Robinson aims to navigate the middle passage between polarities, negative and positive, while promoting better understanding of the Indian civilization.--Protoview
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